Stuarts Point gets turbo charged

THE tiny community of Stuarts Point is running with the wind when it comes to renewable energy.

Teaming up with the Scotts Head Community Group and the North Coast Energy Association, it was recently awarded $20,125 under the Community Building Partnership program to install a small wind turbine at their community hall and library.

“We will be installing a Swift turbine, which is extremely quiet and safe for birds and bats,” spokesperson for the project and the Energy Association Michael Jones said.

“It is envisaged the turbine will provide about half the power needed by the building.”

Mr Jones said it was hoped the state-of-the-art technology would also help increase community awareness about renewable energy in the area.

“While people often focus on larger scale solar, thermal and wind farms, there is also a role for small-scale renewable energy generation.”

“Small turbines can provide clean electricity for more than 20 years and can operate day and night.

He said the Association was keen to get local schools and interest groups involved in monitoring the turbine’s performance.

“Monitoring will provide valuable information about wind resources on the Mid North Coast.”

“It will be possible to determine if small wind turbines, such as the Swift, are cost competitive with solar photovoltaic in this area.”